October 2023


Book Review October 2, 2023

An admirable but flawed new biography of George Eliot

The Marriage Question shows us a woman fragmented

Oliver Soden

Book Review October 2, 2023

Bernie Taupin is more than just ‘Elton John’s lyricist’

The songwriter’s book is free of sentimental clutter, but it would take a heart of stone not to be moved by the takeaway message

Christopher Sandford

Book Review October 2, 2023

A diverting but unsurprising new history of the Astor clan

There is a fine, perceptive book to be written about the Astors and their influence, but Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune is not it

Anne Sebba

Theater October 2, 2023

Once Upon a One More Time is pat, prepackaged feminism

Authorized by Spears herself, the show revamps the tale of Cinderella, weaving in Britney’s own repertoire of songs

Clarissa Sebag-Montefiore

Art October 2, 2023

The value — and worthlessness — of contemporary art

Should you spot a binder full of explanatory word salad at the entrance to an art exhibition, take it as a red flag

William Newton

Film October 2, 2023

Is a Kevin Spacey comeback possible?

The actor is not going to disappear into the shadows quietly

Alexander Larman